Legal Advocate

Legal Advocate I

Position and hourly wage will be based on experience.
$23.00-$24.50

Summary

Under the supervision of the Legal Advocacy Program Supervisor (LAPS), the Legal Advocate conducts initial assessments with domestic violence clients to identify existing or anticipated legal issues, and provides education, referrals, direct services, and resources to support clients. This position educates clients on their legal options available and works with the client to achieve the legal goals that the advocate and client have created.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Assess the level and history of violence experienced and aid in the development of a safety plan for victims and their children.
• Create a client centered legal advocacy case plan and continue providing services, information, and referrals to its completion (to the extent possible)
• Provide information to victims of domestic violence about the laws, resources, and services available.
• Develop and maintain relationships with and knowledge of Orange County’s domestic violence service providers and resources and give appropriate referrals to clients.
• Learn and maintain information on domestic violence laws regarding individual rights and protections under California State Law i.e. protective orders, restraining orders etc.
• Coordinate victim support services provided by law enforcement, prosecution, and the courts.
• Conduct outreach to community partners to improve community’s response to domestic violence.
• Coordinate legal clinics where appropriate.
• Attend court with clients as appropriate to provide emotional support.
• Carry a caseload as assigned by the LAPS, ranging between 30-45 clients, to meet Legal Advocacy grant expectations.
• Deliver domestic violence awareness presentations and training to community groups and/or partners as required by grants or agency.

Qualifications

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, criminal justice, psychology, related field, or commensurate work experience preferred.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish required (written and oral).
• Have reliable transportation or valid CA Class C driver’s license and auto insurance required.
• One year of experience in a domestic violence program preferred or experience working with at-risk clients.
• Knowledge and experience of Family Law, Immigration Law, and the legal system preferred.
• Paralegal Certificate or coursework a plus.
• Understanding of domestic violence issues from victim advocacy perspective.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Excel and working knowledge of computer database program entry and report generation.
• Complete the 40-hour Domestic Violence Advocate certification training post-hire.

Legal Advocate II

Position and hourly wage will be based on experience.
$24.00-25.50

Includes all responsibilities of a Legal Advocate I, as well as the following:

• Assist with the Legal Advocacy Program quality Assurance.
• Manage various logs for the department.
• Manage the Legal Advocacy waitlist.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience in a domestic violence program preferred or experience working with at-risk clients.
• Knowledge and experience of Family Law, Immigration Law, and the legal system required.

Legal Advocate III

Position and hourly wage will be based on experience.

$25.50-$27.00

Includes all responsibilities of a Legal Advocate II, as well as the following:

• Assist with Legal Advocacy Program recruitment.
• Lead Legal Advocacy Program quality assurance and archiving.

Qualifications

• Three (3) years of experience in a domestic violence program preferred or experience working with at-risk clients.
• Knowledge and experience of Family Law, Immigration Law, and the legal system required.
• DOJ Accredited.

Prospective employees must pass a background screening to the satisfaction of the agency prior to placement. Since background screenings take time to complete, applicants are encouraged to apply early.

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our organization.  We strongly encourage survivors of domestic violence to apply. We strongly encourage applicants of diverse race, color, age, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law to apply.  All employment is decided based on qualifications, experience, merit, and business needs. 

Salary : $23 - $27